Here’s the Yankees’ lineup for Game 5 of the ALCS this afternoon against C.J. Wilson:
1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Nick Swisher, RF
3. Robinson Cano, 2B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Marcus Thames, DH
6. Lance Berkman, 1B
7. Jorge Posada, C
8. Curtis Granderson, CF
9. Brett Gardner, LF
Mark Teixeira’s season-ending hamstring injury has forced the Yankees to alter their lineup against a left-handed starter for the first time this postseason. Berkman replaces Teixeira in the lineup and at first base, with Swisher remaining in right field after serving as the in-game replacement for Teixeira at first base last night. Cano moves into Teixeira’s spot in the batting order, hitting third in front of Rodriguez.
Berkman hit just .171 versus lefties this season and the Yankees rarely played him against lefties after acquiring him from the Astros, so his batting sixth against Wilson is odd. Austin Kearns has to be wondering why the Yankees even bothered to include him on the playoff roster.